Jackson band students bring awards from Chicago competition

Jackson band students competed against schools from as far away as Utah and Massachusetts during a recent trip to Chicago.

"It didn't hit me until we were all in the building," senior Jennie Pitman said.

On April 16, about 85 students loaded on to two charter buses and traveled to Chicago to compete in the Heritage Music Festival.

Four Jackson ensembles competed against more than 20 other groups from throughout the country. The Jackson High School wind symphony, jazz band and percussion ensemble won first place in their categories. The freshman percussion ensemble placed second.

Students planned the trip for a year, holding fundraisers as well as rehearsing. Pitman, a flute player for the wind symphony, said the musical preparation was rigorous.

Eric Koenig plays the bassoon Tuesday during practice with the Jackson High School Wind Symphony.

"We worked really hard in class," she said. "We didn't think of it as another concert."

Each ensemble competed during the Friday of the trip with performances lasting into the evening.

"That was a long day," said senior Adam Delph, who plays the trombone for the wind symphony and jazz band.

He said during their down time, students visited the Field Museum, Navy Pier and Shedd Aquarium. Delph said the trip gave students an opportunity to travel outside their comfort zone and experience city life.

Scott Vangilder, who directs the wind symphony, said the directors and students learned how to improve their performances. The ensembles were ranked, which does not happen at state competitions, and the judges' feedback provided constructive criticism.

"It definitely will make me a better player with some of the comments," said Matt Fluegge, a percussionist for the high school wind symphony, jazz band and percussion ensemble.

Upon their return April 19, the students were greeted with a police escort into town.

"You normally don't get that for band," said Fluegge, a senior, who will attend Southeast Missouri State University next year and play for the marching band.

"It was definitely good to get some recognition," Pitman said.

Parents followed the buses through town and met the students at the high school, Vangilder said.

"So they were here to haul their luggage home and do 20 pounds of laundry," he said.

Pitman said the trip was a good way to cap off her senior year and make up for a short spring break.

"In general, it was an awesome trip," said Pitman, who will attend Southern Illinois University next year. "I would go again in a heartbeat."

abusch@semissourian.com

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